Rising star speaks at both conventions

Monday, September 10, 2012 3:36 PM

Many rising stars from our country's two political parties spoke at the recent Republican or Democratic national convention. Among the up-and-comers were several Wisconsinites, including U. S. Rep and vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan, Wis. Gov. Scott Walker and U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin.

Another individual who rose to stardom during his time in Wisconsin actually spoke at both conventions. Although there was less media coverage of his speaking gigs, he may actually be the biggest star of them all. Archbishop Timothy Dolan, now a Cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, served as the Archbishop of Milwaukee until 2009 when he was appointed Archbishop of New York by Pope Benedict XVI.

Dolan had the same assignment at both conventions. He closed out the final nights with a prayer after the nomination acceptance speeches by President Barack Obama and former Mass. Gov. Mitt Romney.

Dolan probably felt a little more at home at the Republican National Committee Convention. He is considered a conservative within the Roman Catholic Church and has very publicly criticized Obama's health care initiatives.

During his decade in Milwaukee, Dolan played a major role in dealing with Roman Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse. He was active as he publicly worked through his religion's horrible scandal.

Dolan now serves as the President of the United States Conference of Bishops. He is outspoken and actively uses the media to help him send his message. Listed among the most influential people in the world by Time Magazine earlier this year, some Catholics believe he may even have the skills to someday become the first pope from America.